This Singapore cat has one obsession: Daily walks on a leash

Most cats demand treats. Merlot demands walks.

The five-year-old ragdoll has gone viral after a video showing him eagerly waiting to be taken for a walk racked up more than 501,000 views, 35,700 likes, 6,321 shares and 528 reposts on Instagram as of Thursday evening (Oct 22).

The video initially shows him patiently waiting while his owners bring out his carrier. But perhaps it's what happens next that has won over viewers. As soon as his owners approach the front door, Merlot hops out of the carrier and trots over, seemingly ready for his outing.

Yes, Merlot prefers walking outdoors to sitting in his pet-stroller, as seen in other videos on his Instagram account.  

Speaking to AsiaOne, Merlot's owner, Shayne Yeo, 30, said that Merlot had originally been adopted from NParks' Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS).  

She also has two other cats, Sav short for Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot, the youngest of the lot.

While most people assume that Shayne enjoys the occasional drink, based on her fur-babies' names — she actually has an alcohol allergy that forces her away from drinks.

The account was created by Shayne and her younger sister, Fion, in August this year and has since achieved 2 videos surpassing 100,000 views. 

Merlot going viral was no surprise to the sisters, they had always known his lovable nature would bring in positive attention from cat and animal lovers.

From corridor strolls to daily walks

Shayne and her husband first noticed Merlot running out of the house to walk along the corridor about a year ago.  

They subsequently recognised a pattern. Merlot would wait in front of their main door and wag his tail, eagerly anticipating his next walk.  

Soon after, Shayne, who works in the field of animal care, decided to put him on a leash. To her surprise, Merlot took to it almost immediately, unlike most cats.

"I put a leash on (him) to try to walk him like a dog and he loved it," said Shayne.  

When asked how members of public respond, she said most people find it cute or amusing, mainly because they hardly ever see cats being walked like dogs.  

The unusual sight has helped Merlot win plenty of fans online, with many amused by how thoroughly the feline appears to have his household wrapped around his paws.

Singapore becoming more pet-friendly 

Pets travelling in strollers and accompanying their owners on outings have become increasingly common sights in Singapore.

Shayne said she has noticed more pet-friendly spaces opening up in recent years, particularly in malls and cafes.

"One Holland is a pet-friendly mall we've brought Merlot to, I also know of Woodleigh mall," she added.  

"Most spaces still require pets with families to be seated outdoors which can get hot and uncomfortable but it's still a step further towards becoming an inclusive society."

Shayne did caution that Merlot was almost bitten by a dog once, after its owner misread his aggression for excitement.

“Every pet is different, (you) should understand your pet and gradually expose them (to walking) if they show an interest,” says Shayne. 

She reminds pet owners that ultimately, being a responsible owner who prioritises their pet’s interests, is important.

When asked if Merlot has a favourite walking route, Shayne laughed and said his preferred destinations all have one thing in common: air-conditioning. 

In true Singapore fashion, it seems Merlot enjoys escaping the heat just as much as his humans do.

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